Etling was the No. 1 quarterback after spring practice and didn't do anything to lose the job during training camp. Austin Appleby was given every chance to move past Etling, but coach Darrell Hazell opted for the Terre Haute native. Hazell even delayed his announcement by one week, based on Appleby's play.

The offensive production was a disaster on so many fronts in 2013. It ranked last among Big Ten teams in nearly every statistical category. No running game. The passing attack was a series of screens. The offense needed to expand and threaten defenses.